Providence in the Park draws 500

By Laureen McMahon

On April 4, for the fifth consecutive year, Oppenheimer Park on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside was a sea of Providence Health Care staff, physicians, and volunteers distributing food, clothing, and toiletries to the needy. Stations offered extra services such as haircuts and chair massages, which had been very popular on previous occasions.

The Providence in the Park twice-a-year event drew 500 from nearby neighbourhoods, said Sister Margaret Vickers, SCIC, a member of PHC's board of directors. Staff and others who could not make it to the park donated clothing, toiletry items, or money so they could feel part of the event, she added.

"Providence in the Park is a way to honour the contributions of the Sisters of Providence who came from far away to open hospitals for the sick and needy over a century ago. Our care staff have been following the example of these original sisters, who went to the places and people with the greatest need. The benefit for us today is that we continue to reach outside ourselves and care for the larger community around us," said Sister Vickers.

Providence Health Care was awarded the International Spirit at Work Award, presented annually by the Association for Spirit at Work, in 2005.